Chelsea close to agreeing deal with Xabi Alonso as their new manager ‘very soon’ to head off Liverpool interest
Chelsea are going to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager ‘very soon’ according to reports.
The Blues – who face Man City in the FA Cup final – have been without a permanent boss since Liam Rosenior was sacked in April.
But they are close to making a big-name appointment as reports claim former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso is close to agreeing to take over.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Chelsea have had a direct meeting with Xabi Alonso and final decision is expected very soon.
“CFC plan to announce their next manager before the World Cup, talks are accelerating.
“Chelsea also spoke to Iraola, Glasner and Marco Silva as part of their list.”
Chelsea are keen to make an announcement as soon as possible, after they have played Saturday’s FA Cup final where they will be coached by interim boss Calum McFarlane.
The timing is crucial, with Liverpool fans losing faith in Arne Slot in the wake of Friday’s 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
The loss was the defending champions’ 20th in all competitions this season.
They have also conceded 52 goals so far in the Premier League, which is a club record for a 38-game season.
And fans are keen to make a move for former midfield star Alonso who won the Champions League during his time at Anfield.
However Chelsea are in pole position as Liverpool are reluctant to sack Slot just 12 months after winning the title.
A source told The Telegraph: “Things should move quickly after the final.
“Chelsea ideally want an agreement with somebody within days, whether that be a few days or 10 days. But it shouldn’t be a long process now.”
According to The Telegraph, Alonso has emerged as the standout candidate, and will be given more say over transfers than his predecessors under the BlueCo ownership.
The Blues are reportedly ready to back their new manager with plans to recruit two or three experienced players this summer to improve the first team instantly.
Alonso, 44, won the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup during an outstanding spell in charge at Bayer Leverkusen.
The World Cup winner was sacked as Real Madrid manager earlier this season after falling out with key figures in the dressing room.
